Thousands of University of Windsor students’ semesters have been placed in jeopardy after negotiators for the university walked away from the bargaining table without even considering the latest offer from Local 1393 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 1393).

“We are at our wits’ end. Our bargaining committee has heard and attempted to address the issues and concerns raised in bargaining by the employer through our proposals, but their response has been to walk away,” said Dean Roy, President of CUPE 1393.

“Throughout this process, the university has consistently demanded that workers pay the price for their failure to appropriately manage basic human resources programs that ensure people are treated and compensated fairly for the work they do. We have always been prepared to work with administration to ensure the smooth operation of these and other programs, but that isn’t possible if they aren’t prepared to manage them effectively,” he added.

The 282 skilled trades and professional staff at the university went on strike September 8 after the University administration refused to withdraw concessionary demands. Outstanding issues include the current joint job evaluation system and bumping rights.

Roy said the union remains ready and available to continue bargaining, and called on students, faculty, and the broader campus community to demand administration return to the table and negotiate.

“The administration is playing a dangerous game with the academic future of thousands of students who depend on labs for their coursework. They’ve repeatedly put campus and community safety at risk since this strike began. It’s time for the university’s Board of Governors to step in and direct administration to live up to the principles and priorities established by the Board as they relate to labour relations at the university,” he said.

Roy added his thanks for the “overwhelming support” Local 1393 has received from students, faculty, and other staff on campus during the nearly three-week-old dispute.

“We’re sorry that everyone continues to be inconvenienced by administration’s refusal to bargain seriously, and assure them we remain prepared to bargain at a moment’s notice,” he said.